How Meta Plans to Power its First Canadian AI Data Centre

Meta has officially begun construction of its first Canadian data centre, marking a significant expansion of its AI infrastructure while bringing a major new electricity project to Alberta's power system.

The hyperscale campus, located in Sturgeon County, Alberta, will require 1GW of capacity once operational, making energy infrastructure one of the defining elements of the development.

Designed to support Meta's growing AI ambitions and global digital services, the project represents an investment of more than C$13bn (US$9bn) and becomes the company's 33rd data centre worldwide.

Rachel Peterson, VP of Data Centers at Meta, says the project reflects both the company's AI expansion plans and its long-term commitment to the region.

"As we continue scaling Meta's data centre fleet to meet the demands of AI, every site we add is a deliberate choice – not just about where to build, but about how we show up as a long-term partner," she says.

“I'm excited to share that Meta is building a 1GW data centre in Sturgeon County, Alberta. This is our first facility in Canada, and the 33rd in our global portfolio. This is a more than C$13bn (US$9bn) investment, and it represents a significant milestone in our infrastructure journey."

The facility is expected to create around 3,000 construction jobs during peak building activity before supporting more than 300 permanent operational roles.

"We selected Sturgeon County for its access to energy and infrastructure, strong talent base and a great set of community partners committed to working with us to move this project forward," Rachel says.

Strengthening Alberta's electricity network

Beyond the construction of the AI campus itself, Meta's investment includes substantial work to reinforce Alberta's electricity system.

The company says integrating a 1GW facility into the provincial grid has involved years of planning alongside Greenlight Limited Partnership, AltaLink, Capital Power and the Alberta Electric System Operator to ensure sufficient generation and transmission capacity is available before the site comes online.

Meta says it will fully fund the electricity infrastructure needed to serve the site rather than passing costs on to other customers. Alongside paying the full cost of its own power consumption, the company is investing in additional generation capacity and upgrades to Alberta's transmission network, measures intended to improve resilience across the wider grid.

The company also says the campus will match all of its electricity consumption with completely clean and renewable energy.

Rachel explains the framework for energy “that strengthens the grid”.

“We're fully funding new generation and grid infrastructure in Alberta which improves the reliability for all consumers,” she says.

“We're grateful for the partnership of Greenlight Limited Partnership, AltaLink, Capital Power and the Alberta Electric System Operator. And we'll continue to match this facility's electricity use with 100% clean and renewable energy."

Designing AI infrastructure with lower resource demands

Energy efficiency is also reflected in the facility's cooling system, which has been engineered to minimise water use while supporting high-density AI computing.

Meta says the Sturgeon County campus will use a closed-loop liquid-cooling system combined with dry cooling technology, removing operational water consumption from the cooling loop itself. Water onsite will instead be limited to domestic uses, fire protection and equipment maintenance.

The company says it will continue publishing annual water withdrawal figures and will pay the full costs associated with local water and wastewater infrastructure. The approach supports Meta's wider ambition of becoming water positive across its global operations by 2030.

Rachel says sustainability considerations have shaped every stage of the project because “how we build matters just as much as where and how fast”, reflecting “responsible operations by design”.

"We pay the full costs of our energy and water use so other consumers aren't impacted,” Rachel says.

“When it comes to water, this facility is designed with a closed-loop, liquid-cooled system, which means our annual operational water use is projected to be less than one typical golf course in the region," she adds.

Beyond the data centre

Meta says its commitment extends beyond the facility itself through direct investment in local infrastructure and community initiatives.

Around C$60m (US$42) has been allocated to municipal improvements, including upgrades to roads and water infrastructure that will serve the wider Sturgeon County area.

The company also plans to introduce its annual Data Center Community Action Grants programme in the region this autumn, providing funding for local non-profit organisations.

"Long-term community commitment”, is crucial, she says. “Our Sturgeon Data Center will support over 3,000 construction jobs at peak and more than 300 operational jobs once online.

"I'm proud to add Canada to our global portfolio and even more proud to call Sturgeon County and Alberta home."